TETRAONID^. 247 



293. Scleroptera pileata (Smith). Pileated Franeolin. 

 Francolinus pilcatus, Smith's Zool. of S. Africa, pi. 14. 



„ „ Layard's Cat. Xo. 528. 



Scleroptera pileata, Gray's Hand-hst of Birds, No. 9667. 



In travelling northward I first met with this Franeolin 

 on the stony and wooded slopes above Okamabnte in 

 Northern Damara Land, and subsequently observed it to 

 the north of that locality. It occurs in coveys, and 

 feeds on small bulbs, seeds, and berries ; its iiesh is very 

 palatable. 



The iris is brownish. 



294. Scleroptera adspersa (Waterhouse). Red-billed Franeolin. 

 Franculinus adspersus, Waterhouse, in Alexander's Exp. vol. ii. 

 p. 267. 

 „ „ Layard's Cat. No. 523. 



Sclero]7tera adspersa, Graj-'s Hand-list of Birds, No. 9669. 



This is the most common and abundant Franeolin 

 indigenous to Damara and Great Namaqua Land, where 

 it is found in coveys which, in favourable seasons, not 

 uncommonly consist of from ten to fourteen individuals. 

 This species is seldom found at any great distance from 

 the banks of the periodical streams, and on the least 

 approach of danger seeks shelter in the trees and 

 bushes with which these banks are generally studded. 

 It lives much on trees, roosting amongst the branches by 

 night, and also resting there during the heat of the day 



These Francolins run with extraordinary swiftness, 

 and will not use their wings unless very hard pressed ; 

 and when they do so, it is with the view of concealing 

 themselves amongst the thickest of the branches of some 



